Clever Crows

Crows are known to be one of the most intelligent and social of all American birds. They have been seen making tools from leaves and twigs to catch insects. They hide their food in tree bark crevices and amongst leaf piles. When it snows they know exactly where to recover their hidden morsels.

Some humans may find a crow's caw annoying, especially to those trying to sleep in on a Saturday morning. However, cawing is another important factor to this intelligent bird's way of life. Along with the 25 other rattles, clicks and bell-like tones a crow makes, the caw, varying in pitch, intensity and number, suggests a rather sophisticated level of communication.

Stewards of an Ecosystem

A single family of crows can consume 40,000 grubs, army worms and other insects in one season. Twenty percent of a crow's diet is made up of insects that farmers and gardeners consider pests. Although they do eat corn, the small amount they consume is offset by the benefits they provide with their consumption of crop damaging insects and larvae.

Garden and Field Frustrations

Generally, garden damage from crows is very minimal, but they do like vegetables and fruit trees. To protect your trees and shrubs securely tie netting to the base of the plant or trunk of the tree so that crows and other garden eating birds can't gain access. Harvest crops as soon as they begin to ripen.

Cornfields, on the other hand, are very attractive to crows. But keep in mind that consumption of crop-damaging pests far out weighs the small amount of grain munching crows do in these fields. However, if you prefer to live without any signs of crows, visual deterrents are your best solution. Begin using deterrents at the first signs of damage. Bright, flashy objects like pie tins and Mylar party balloons can be very effective. Check your local garden store for reflective Mylar tape that can also be useful to deter crows.

Friendly Feathers

Although crows are natural predators of smaller birds and their nestlings, very rarely will you find negative effects from crows on your backyard songbird populations. It is best to try and enjoy every bird that flocks to your backyard sanctuary.

Trash Scattering

If accessible, crows may scatter trash during the day. Nighttime garbage prowlers are most likely raccoons or even dogs and cats. Either way, solve the problem by using secure trashcans with tight-fitting lids or weigh the top down with a heavy object.

Very Important: The 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects all native birds, including crows. It is illegal for any person to possess birds, dead or alive, nesting material, eggs, feathers and bones of a bird, without the proper permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the State of Illinois. It is illegal to harm or kill a protected bird species. It is also illegal to remove or destroy nesting material from a nest once an egg has been laid. Contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for additional information on the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. www.fws.gov

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